Singapore Council Restricts Asia Pulp & Paper Green Label
The Singapore Environment Council has imposed temporary restrictions on the SGLS+ green label for Asia Pulp & Paper.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Organic Food
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The Singapore Environment Council has placed temporary restrictions on the Asia Pulp & Paper SGLS+ green label due to ongoing regional haze. The action follows reports of fires on land managed by the company’s suppliers in Indonesia.
Why it matters
The restriction reflects growing pressure on major suppliers to curb land burning practices that degrade regional air quality. Failure to demonstrate robust fire prevention could lead to a total suspension of the green label, forcing the company to stop using it on products.
The council is currently monitoring 3 suppliers in South Sumatra along with 4 companies supplying wood fiber to Asia Pulp & Paper. These firms are part of a broader group of 10 Indonesian companies receiving legal notices regarding land burning.
The players
Singapore Environment Council
This independent non-profit organization is dedicated to protecting and improving the environment in Singapore.
Asia Pulp & Paper
This global pulp and paper company is a major producer of paper, packaging, and tissue products.
National Environment Agency
This statutory board under the Singapore government is responsible for ensuring a clean and sustainable environment.
The details
Asia Pulp & Paper is now required to submit daily reports on its fire response efforts and demonstrate active monitoring of fire prevention within its concessions. Concurrently, the National Environment Agency has ordered these companies to halt all burning activities and provide detailed plans for fire suppression.
Timeline
2015: The council previously suspended the Asia Pulp & Paper green label.
May 2019: Asia Pulp & Paper received the enhanced SGLS+ certification.
October 19, 2026: The council announced the new temporary restriction on the label.
Culture Shift
This move represents a firm tightening of sustainable standards in the pulp and paper industry. It follows the regulatory framework established during the 2015 regional haze crisis to curb industrial pollution practices.
Consumers who prioritize green-certified products may see a change in labeling on paper goods if the restriction is escalated to a full suspension. This shift encourages shoppers to monitor the certification status of their household products more closely.
The takeaway
Maintaining environmental accountability is essential for companies aiming to retain green certifications. Consumers should verify the current validity of sustainability labels when making purchasing decisions to ensure transparency.
Further reading
For more information on industry standards, visit the Organic Food section.
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Should environmental certifications be strictly restricted when a company's suppliers engage in environmentally harmful practices?
